(ANALYSIS) Back in August, IllumiNative released a study that described how Native-led shows like “Reservation Dogs" had a positive effect on viewers, showing that Native-led projects are not only in demand but proving to be educational and impactful. Viewers who watched the aforementioned Native-led shows were more likely to agree with policies that support and center Indigenous voices.
Read More“God’s Gang,” which follows a Christian, a Jew, a Muslim and a Hindu in their efforts to, as the show’s publicists put it, “unite the world through peace and adventure,” has a global team behind it. Its creators are spread across 15 countries and its audience boasts an even bigger reach. The first episode alone, which dropped last November, attracted over 10 million views.
Read More(REVIEW) “Fleur de Lis” is a sharp-witted and endearing animated hijinks-adventure sitcom with a Christian worldview and a controversial way it’s made: using artificial intelligence. Faith-based films and TV shows are not known for their innovation. Between the running gag of faith-based knockoffs of secular content (such as “Revelation Road” being a knockoff of “Mad Max”) and otherwise playing it fairly safe with its inspirational drama formula.
Read MoreThe Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal from former reality TV star and Christian activist Josh Duggar regarding his conviction for downloading child sex abuse material. The nation’s highest court made no comment or notes on its decision to decline. Instead, the court just listed Duggar’s case as one in several petitions that were denied.
Read More(REVIEW) While the Season 4 finale was weaker in its character payoffs than I would have liked, it still is the strongest season overall since the first. The stories are more focused, the drama more intense, the characters gelling more and the filmmaking seamlessly skillful. It’s what keeps me and the audience coming back for more.
Read MoreAward-winning Cree actress and activist Michelle Thrush spoke to students at Salish School of Spokane — giving them an insight into her life, how she got into acting, her culture and how she wants to tell stories from a place of honesty.
Read MoreThe most Jewish episode of “Curb” — and one of its most beloved — retold here by the people who made it. “Palestinian Chicken,” the third episode of the Larry David comedy’s eighth season, seemed anything but dated when it aired on July 24, 2011, and today, you can’t assemble a list of the show’s greatest episodes without it.
Read More(REVIEW) Overall, this new season of “The Chosen” is its strongest one since the first. If it can build on this with the rest of the season, then it’s possible — as hard as it might be to believe — that Season 4 might be its best to date. Season 4 of “The Chosen” is exclusively in theaters from Feb. 1-14 and later via streaming.
Read More“The Book of Clarence” is an entertaining and God-glorifying hero’s journey story of redemption that – if not for some of its PG-13 material and off-beat style – would be right at home in any faith-based movie environment, but far better quality-wise than most.
Read More(ANALYSIS) As long as they’ve been around, so-called “faith-based films” have been mired in controversy. Whether it’s accusations of bad writing and acting, heavy-handed messages or the demonizing of non-Christians, such movies always seem to be a lightning rod of passionate disagreement.
Read MoreThis year’s Golden Globes — the first in a series of awards that will set the stage for the Oscars — took place on Sunday evening at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles. Among the top film nominees coming into the night were Greta Gerwig's blockbuster “Barbie,” Christopher Nolan's “Oppenheimer” and Martin Scorsese's “Killers of the Flower Moon.” See which movies and TV shows won awards this year.
Read MoreFaith-based films are more prevalent than ever. Whether that’s the growing number of Christians entering the faith-based industry or the larger number of Hollywood filmmakers dealing explicitly with religious issues in their films, it's easier than ever to find films that affirm and celebrate religious worldviews with truth and beauty. Check out which movies were best in 2023.
Read More(OPINION) For decades, TV producer Norman Lear described himself as a cultural Jew who didn't practice any traditional form of faith. Over the years, however, the television icon became more and more intrigued with religious faith, both as a force in American life and as a topic ignored by Hollywood.
Read MoreThe stage version of “The Prince of Egypt” is a rousing triumph of both faith and stagecraft. It is one of the most satisfying viewing experiences of the year and a stunning reminder of what can be accomplished when faith and art are put together well.
Read More(ANALYSIS) There are lots of theories as to why the Christmas classic died. Perhaps it simply takes time to become a Christmas classic with culture-wide acceptance. And yet, that wasn’t true of the Christmas movies that came out in the 1990s and early 2000s. Perhaps streaming is to blame, where movies would become classics had they come out in theaters.
Read More(ANALYSIS) Among the many spooky events happening last month was the biannual “Haunting of Impalas” at Family Business Brewing, a 15-acre brewery in Dripping Springs, Texas, owned by actor and musician Jensen Ackles. Along with Jared Padalecki, Ackles is the star of “Supernatural,” a television series that ran from 2005 to 2020.
Read More(OPINION) Jesus instructs us to be meek and gentle the way our authority figures have always instilled in us, following Jesus can feel like giving into more social conformity. Jesus, it seems, does not seem to be either able or willing to protect us when we need it or to give us a model for how to protect ourselves and those we love.
Read More(REVIEW) While “A Wonderful Day with Mabel Maclay” doesn’t reach the heights of children’s programs such as “Mister Rogers' Neighborhood” or “Sesame Street,” it is wholesome family entertainment for parents who want alternatives to what’s being offered by Disney or Netflix.
Read More(REVIEW) In the third season of “The Righteous Gemstones,” the fictional Gemstone family members — wealthy leaders of a prominent megachurch — are as outlandish and chaotic as ever. But this season, the challenges they face begin to feel trite and their redemption feels less genuine.
Read MoreSince his death in 1994, the gay Yale historian’s significance has continued to rise, both in academic and wider cultural circles. So it is not surprising that a documentary entitled “Not A Tame Lion” has been produced about his life and impact by filmmakers Craig Bettendorf and Kai Morgan.
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